HIT Screen
Clinical Background:
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a recognised complication of Heparin anticoagulant therapy. It is an immune mediated disorder with antibodies being produced against a Platelet Factor 4/He...
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a recognised complication of Heparin anticoagulant therapy. It is an immune mediated disorder with antibodies being produced against a Platelet Factor 4/Heparin (PF4/Hep) complex. This occurs typically 5 days after starting Heparin therapy and presents as a falling platelet count which may develop into a thrombotic disorder with high morbidity as the platelets clump together and generate diffuse thromboses. Suspected patients may need to be switched to an alternative anti-coagulant whilst the results of testing are obtained.
The HIT screening test is a rapid Automated Chemiluminescence assay which has similar sensitivity and specificity to the ELISA assay.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Haemostasis
Haemostasis
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Specimen Container Adult:
Citrated Platelet Poor plasma (Light Blue), or serum (no anticoagulant), for the serum tube we can use RED or Yellow (GEL) tubes
Citrated Platelet Poor plasma (Light Blue), or serum (no anticoagulant), for the serum tube we can use RED or Yellow (GEL) tubes
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Citrated Platelet Poor plasma (Light Blue), or serum (no anticoagulant), for the serum tube we can use RED or Yellow (GEL) tubes
Citrated Platelet Poor plasma (Light Blue), or serum (no anticoagulant), for the serum tube we can use RED or Yellow (GEL) tubes
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1.0mL
1.0mL
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5mL
0.5mL
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Sample Stability:
Both citrated and serum specimens should be centrifuged and separated within 2 hours of collection. Once separated, the serum or citrated plasma is stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If...
Read MoreBoth citrated and serum specimens should be centrifuged and separated within 2 hours of collection. Once separated, the serum or citrated plasma is stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If delays in testing are expected, separate specimens and freeze at -35oC or below.
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Transport Requirements:
Samples should be transported to Blood Sciences at RVI without delay
Samples should be transported to Blood Sciences at RVI without delay
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Freq Analysis:
On request
On request
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Add On Test:
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
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Quality Assurance:
UKNEQAS BC
UKNEQAS BC
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Reference Ranges:
Negative = <1 U/mL
Negative = <1 U/mL
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Other Info:
Screening procedure for heparin induced thrombocytopenia.
Screening procedure for heparin induced thrombocytopenia.
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Routine Contact Name:
RVI or Freeman Section Leaders
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Routine Telephone:
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
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Specialist Test:
Yes
Yes
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Specialist Contact Name:
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
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Specialist Telephone:
0191 2139758
0191 2139758
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Specialist Email:
alison.brown93@nhs.net
alison.brown93@nhs.net